As all are likely aware, the global pandemic has had an impact on supply chain channels for almost two years and even more so in the last six months. Briggs & Stratton Corporation has been a remarkable sponsor of multiple SAE Collegiate Design Series Competitions for decades, and SAE Supermileage has enjoyed the benefits of that sponsorship regularly. This supply chain challenge is now also impacting SAE Supermileage in the area of Briggs & Stratton engines. Despite fairly recent confirmations that engines would be available, the latest developments seem to put engine availability in a time frame useful to SAE Supermileage 2022 in jeopardy. The company has confirmed they will not be able to supply the seven teams who ordered engines for 2022 competition any engines as manufacturing has been affected by supply chain.
As a result, the requirement to use the Briggs & Stratton Junior 206, Model 124332 Type 8202-01 as the base engine for SAE Supermileage 2022 competition vehicle is rescinded for all competing teams. Teams are not required to demonstrate that the Junior 206 was the base engine for the vehicle, and teams may use any other internal combustion engine desired to power the competition vehicle. All other Competition requirements (the fuel used, all power being derived from the fuel, all engine system safety regulations, etc.) are still applicable and will be checked onsite during technical inspection.
The SAE International staff will communicate directly with the seven teams regarding refunds for engines ordered during the registration process.
Please if you have any questions regarding the engine change feel free to submit a rules inquiry online saesupermileage.com.